‘They Give Us Sweet Talk’ — Parents Lament 108-Day Captivity Of Pupils

A parent of one of the 46 schoolchildren abducted from Mussa community in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, Morocco Buba, says they are still waiting for updates from the government 108 days after the abduction.

Buba told THE WHISTLER in an interview days after the parents staged a protest in the state that they are still seeking an update.
The children were taken by terrorists during school activities on May 15, 2026.

According to him, the lack of communication from authorities forced the parents to march to Maiduguri to meet Governor Babagana Umar Zulum, carrying placards with messages including “Bring Back Our Children.”

The parents had appealed to the Federal and Borno State government to intensify efforts to rescue their children.

“They give us sweet talk. You know these politicians now. Although, we are still waiting for them. As they promised, they said they will bring the children in good health. So, we are still waiting.” Buba said.
He said told the THE WHISTLER that the governor received them during the protest.
“Mr. Governor said he welcomed us. And we really appreciate the way he welcomed us,” he stated.
Buba, however, said the government did not give a specific timeline for the release of the children.
“They did not give actual expectations that they will get back to us.They did not give us an exact date that they will give us an update. So, I cannot tell you that,” he said.

He added that the government did not appoint an official contact, but the parents had chosen one of their own to serve as a representative for communication.

The parents said they would continue to appeal to the authorities until all 46 children are returned safely. “We keep hoping. Keep hoping. All will be well,” Buba said.